Underwater, this is the cathedral
sea. Diving, our bubbles rise
as prayers are said to do, and burst
into our natural atmosphere —-
occupying, from this perspective, 
the position of heaven.
 
The ceiling is silver, and the air
deep green translucency. The worshippers
pray quietly, wave their fins.
You can see the color of their prayer
deep within their throats: scarlet, some,
and some, fine scaled vermilion;

excerpt: The Diver, by Michael Schmidt

8x8 inches oil on 1.5 inch cradled wood panelframed with gilded floater frame
applicable state taxes